Like to know the best and most fun things to do in Indio, CA?
Indio is a city in Riverside County, California, United States, It is popularly known to annually host popular events and festivals.
Currently, the city is Riverside County’s Coachella Valley’s most developing city with a headcount of 93,000 people.
Indio is perched in the Sonoran Desert, causing it to have warm temperatures, a considerate amount of heat, and a little downpour of rain.
Indio is fondly called “The city of Festivals” as it is a well-known destination for iconic events. This destination attracts myriads of people from all over the world despite its small size.
Are you planning an exploration of Indio? Here are the top things to do in Indio, CA.
Things to Do in Indio
1. Shields Date Garden
Shields Date Garden
The Shields Date Garden has a land area of 17 acres. It is a huge complex where visitors can take many pictures because of its beautiful environment.
The Shields Date Garden went through some significant renovation from 2011 till 2013, and this location features different notable individuals in the Bible, and a Vancouver garden.
A total of 23 sculptures can be seen on a sinuous course that showcases the 14 significant stories from the life of Jesus Christ. Visitors can also listen to the stories of what they see on-site with their mobile phones.
Address: 80-225 CA-111, Indio, CA 92201,
2. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
The first item on our list of things to do in Indio is the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The festival is organized by the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, the festival is popularly known as Coachella Festival or Coachella, and it is done annually.
Visitors can also see artifacts and sculptures that are an integral part of these events and performances from different music genres like rock, electro dance music, and indie.
Live music performances are carried out in the festival on differently built stages. Many performances have been done here since 2001 by well-known artists like Guns n’ Roses, AC/DC, Paul Mc McCartney, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Lady Gaga.
Other artists graced the stage during the Coachella festival include Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Beyonce, Ariana Grande, Radiohead, and many more.
Address: Indio, California, United States.
3. The Jackalope Ranch
Jackalope Ranch
If you love good food, be sure to stop by at the Jackalope Ranch to enjoy the best of Southwest restaurants in a lovely atmosphere, and it should be on your checklist of fun things to do in Indio, California.
The number one thing you will see while making your way into the restaurant is how large the estate is and the stone lodge in it as well.
Several patios to find here have gorgeous views, including a saloon, palapas, and waterfalls. It does not matter what time of the day you visit to have lunch or dinner. You will be sure to meet the perfect atmosphere to fit your meal at this Ranch.
The restaurant has a good selection of meals on their food menus, such as their family combo meals, top-notch Barbeque dishes, indigenous California style of foods, and the three-course steak dinners. In addition, they have a good outdoor and indoor setting for visitors to enjoy their meals.
Address: 80400 CA-111, Indio, CA 92201,
4. The Indio Teen Center
One of the exciting things to do as a teen during your vacation is to check out the Indio Teen Center. It is cool for teens to have a good time during their vacation.
This destination is available for kids who fall between 8th to 12th graders. The teen center features a game room, a recording studio, a boxing gym, a restaurant, and an internet cafe.
There is a counseling center for individuals who will need assistance from someone. In addition, some educational activities and programs are organized every day with patrons from the Indio Senior Center.
Address: 81-678 Ave 46, Indio, CA 92201
5. Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve
If you intend to explore nature to its fullest, the one place to be is the Thousand Palm Oasis Preserve which should be a primary bite on your list of fun things to do in India, California.
There are many natural landscapes surrounding this region that bring out the historic desert landscape, and this destination is the ideal place to visit and enjoy this special landscape.
It also has a hiking trail distance of over 25 miles in the Palms Oasis Preserve. As you stroll beside the trails, you will see dunes, canyons, and other natural elements that contribute to the beauty of this wonderful desert life.
Address: 29200 Thousand Palms Canyon Rd, Thousand Palms, CA 92276
6. Miles Avenue Park
Another item on our list of things to do that is worth checking out is Miles Avenue Park, located in Indio, California. It is an ideal place to bring the whole family to enjoy a great weekend or holiday together and should be on your checklist of things to do.
Despite having numerous Barbeque and picnic spaces available, the park still has lots of family fun-filled activities that every family would love to try.
The kids have not been left behind as well as families with children can bring their kids along to enjoy the playground and water play area. There are also several basketball courts in the park as well.
Address: 82540 Miles Ave, Indio, CA 92201,
7. Maclin’s Open Air Markets
Next on this list of things to do in Indio, California, is to visit the second largest open-air market in the history of Maclin.
Maclin’s open-air market is just a few distances away from Palm Springs. You can get the best of everything you are searching for at this night market as it blooms with unique merchandise.
The atmosphere to meet here when you visit is exciting and fun-filled. Fairgrounds situated in Southern California are popular for their quality architectural style, which gives a perfect example of the lifestyle of the Moroccan cities.
The market is most visited on Wednesdays and Saturdays by many people as they come to patronize over 400 merchants on site. You can purchase fresh vegetables harvested the previous day for locals while still enjoying the sunset. You can also buy some local dates if you intend to shop for food items.
The market has many aisles to follow, and the illumination from the moon serves as a medium to aid visitors to find that unique item they intend to buy. You can also have a great time with family and friends as you treat yourselves to delicious foods, snacks, and drinks.
Address: 46350 Arabia St, Indio, CA 92201,
8. Empire Polo Club
The Empire Polo Club was established in 1987 and became a well-known area for people to be part of a polo game this destination is now a huge part of the history of polo in California.
The Empire Polo club organizes tournaments seasonally, including parties and many other events that are open to the general public, it also has facilities like the ten glass polo fields, two exercise tracks, a nightclub, the Tack Room Tavern, a regulation-sized pop arena, and stabling facilities.
The polo club is situated on a vast land area of 300 acres and is the site for the notable Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival that connects artists with different lines of genres.
Address: 81-800 Avenue 51, Indio, CA 92201,
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9. Mulligan Dog Park
Another item on our list of things to do in Indio, California, is the Mulligan Dog Park. Here is a great destination to visit along with your dogs to have a fun-filled experience.
The park consists of many trees that act as shelters and an extensive grassy land area. The Park has many spaces for your dog to move about and catch fun.
The dog’s park welcomes dogs of all sizes, and it has rooms for dogs of different breeds. There are many amenities in the park to give your pets a lovely time, including drinking faucets situated at both edges of the park and veggies for easy cleaning.
Address: 45355 Van Buren St, Indio, CA 92201,
10. Murals In Indio
Murals In Indio
The city is known for having very large murals, which are perfect for public art. The murals found here are very significant in the city as it has become a huge part of this region’s terrain and can be seen everywhere in the Coachella valley.
Most of the murals were painted by local artists, and they represent and showcase the rich history and activities of the city. Visitors who come during the Riverside County Date Festival always make sure they see these beautiful murals.
Address: Indio, CA, United States
11. The Riverside County Fairgrounds
Riverside County Fairgrounds
The Riverside County Fairgrounds is a place of abode to different festivals, fairs, and several events that happen here throughout the year. The Riverside County Fair is a well-known event in this region every February since it started in 1921.
The Riverside County Fairgrounds was once a ground used to commemorate the yearly date palm harvest in Coachella valley and is a place of abode for more than 250,000 date palm trees.
This destination has more than 7,000 exhibitions in play and several competitions for people to participate in. Some of these competitions include bull riding, live performances by comedians and musicians, and the Date Festival Queen Crowning.
Address: 46517 Arabia St, Indio, CA 92201,
12. Shadow Hills Golf Course
Golf
If you love golfing, one of the best things to do in Indio, California, is visiting the Club at Shadow Hills Golf Course, which should be a major item on your checklist.
The golf course is open for amateur and professional players alike. There are two different golf courses within the valleys and mountain areas, making it a perfect location to play rounds of golf.
The North Course of the golf course has water hazards, bunkers, and sand traps, making it challenging and fun at the same time.
One of the most recent 18-hole courses in the estate situated at the South Course area is very relaxing and convenient. You will get the same energy and satisfaction in whichever golf course you play, so be sure to have a great time here.
Address: 80875 Ave 40, Indio, CA 92203,
13. Indio Spa
After long hours of touring through the city, you’ll surely need a place to treat your body to some care, and the one place to be is the Indio Spa which should be on your checklist of things to do.
The Indio Spa is housed with a team of professionals that are well trained and experienced to give visitors the very best when it comes
Indio Spa in Indio, California, is staffed by a team of highly trained and experienced professionals who strive to provide guests with excellent service during their time at the spa.
The spa uses heated massage tables, eye pillows, warm therapy, and heated lotion during all of its treatments. The spa treatments to find here are top-notch such as CBD treatments, facials, wraps, massages, private group meetings, exfoliators, and others.
Address: 42151 WorldMark Way, Indio, CA
14. Stagecoach Festival
The city of Indio is filled with lots of fun and music aura as well, if you love good music, then this is the sure place for you to be and enjoy the best of music in this beautiful city.
The festival is carried out in partnership with the Coachella Valley Music Arts, and it is a top-notch music festival to attend in the world. Annually, the festival hosts several country music genres, including country heart, southern rock, alternative country, and country-rock.
Notable musicians have graced this wonderful stage, including Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Shania Twain, Tim McGrew, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift, and Blake Shelton.
In 2007, the first stagecoach fest was held, and it has grown to attract myriads of people to the city. The destination also consists of several amenities, including camping during the fest.
Address: Indio, California, United States
15. Coachella Valley History Museum
One of the ideal things to do when you visit Indio is to visit the Coachella Valley History Museum. You get to learn about the wonderful history of this region and the vast selection of exhibits on display.
During your tour around the museum, you will learn about the first residents of this region, the importance of the Southern Pacific Railroad, and how their cities and villages developed.
Some displays show the history of its local population, its agricultural system and the lifestyle of its people, and how their activities contributed to the region’s growth.
You will get to see a medieval school building, a blacksmith shop, and a few gardens transformed into Japanese gardens and desert landscape kinds of gardens. There are guides on-site to aid you and assist in answering questions as you tour around.
Address: 82616 Miles Ave, Indio, CA 92201,
Also check out our list of things to do in Idyllwild, things to do in Capitola, and cool things to do in Lancaster, if you are planning a California road trip.
16. Big Rock Pub
Big Rock Pub
Enjoy a great deal of music at the Big Rock Pub situated in Indio, California, where you can see and listen to the best of local music. If you love good music, here should be a major item on your checklist of things to do in Indio, California.
Fans of music and well-known indigenous artists come together to enjoy live music while also having a tasty drink.
A wide range of different rock archives is showcased in a stylish design, whereas the kitchen pub offers visitors various choices for snacks and meals. They also have a vast selection of drinks on their drink menu.
Address: 1828 CA-138, Pinon Hills, CA 92372,
17. Eldorado Polo Club
Another item on our list of things to do is the Eldorado Polo Club, and it is one of the perfect things to do with the entire family if you intend to visit this beautiful city and should be on your checklist of things to do.
The Polo Club is open for everyone who wishes to have some fun time. Visitors and competitors are most welcome to join in the fun this place holds. Have a relaxing time at the clubhouse restaurant or the outside field-side terrace in the Cantina.
The bar here provides visitors with a vast selection of liquors and wines. In addition, adults and kids can be knowledgeable about polo and go horseback riding with their horses. The polo club consists of eight function fields and a stable that can accommodate more than 500 horses.
Address: 50950 Madison St, Indio, CA 92201,
18. Coachella Valley Art Center
Coachella Valley Art Center
One of the top things to do in Indio is a visit to Coachella Valley Art Center for a fun art experience.
Established by the Coachella Valley Art Center, this destination is a voluntary center for arts. It serves as a home to all levels of artists, ranging from professionals to amateur artists.
Here is a place of abode to artists staying in this region and provided art programs in metal sculpture/welding, kiln glass, glass blowing, and many other skills.
This makes what to do in Indio, for a fun time, consider an addition to your bucket list of places to visit in Indio, CA.
Address: 45140 Towne St, Indio, CA 92201,
19. Desert Theatreworks’ Live
Another item on our list of things to do that is worth checking out is the Desert Theatreworks housed in the Indio Performing Arts Center. Add this item to your checklist of fun things to do in Indio, CA.
The Desert Theater work is Coachella Valley’s voluntary top-notch theatrical group. It has gathered different awards and acknowledgments since it started operations in July 2013. It has made 45 major stage plays and 25 special events.
It also provides educational platforms to enlighten the general public on matters involving the growth of art in the community and its environs.
Address: Indio, California, United States.
20. County Fairgrounds
Another item on our list of things to do is visiting the County Fairgrounds. Numerous festivals and fairs are held annually at the Fairgrounds.
This destination was established in 1921 and has been an iconic and famous event in the county. The main objective through which the festival is held is because of the Coachella Valley’s date palm harvest, which attracts myriads of people.
Visitors can join others in being part of more than 7,000 tournaments and events organized here, and there are also performances from various comedians and artists. There’s also an event that will crown the year’s festival best queen.
Address: 82503 US Highway 111, Indio, Greater Palm Springs, CA
21. George S. Patton Park
Another family fun-filled Park worth checking out is the George S. Patton Park located in Indio. It has lots of fun family things to do that will pique the interest of all the entire family members and should be on your checklist of fun things to do.
The park has a large grassy space and a little playground that is well sheltered so kids can enjoy themselves playing, share ideas, and have a good time.
There are two Barbeque and picnic spaces that have numerous times for family and friends to have a good time eating together. The Park also features sports amenities such as a tennis and basketball court. They are safe and open for everyone to have a good time.
Address: 83700 Avenue 43, Indio, CA 92203,
22. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Another item on our list of things to do that is worth checking out is the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Deserted areas are always a place of abode for various kinds of flora and fauna species.
Here is an ideal spot to visit and learn more about desert life, and the one place to be is the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. The Zoo and garden have a land area of 1000 acres that offers visitors a lot of beautiful experiences. Visitors can go on a self-guided tour as well.
While touring the entire area, visitors will have the chance to ride a carousel, explore the museum exhibits, see various desert fauna and flora such as snakes and jaguars, the fee a giraffe, and go hiking on the nature trails.
Address: 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260,
23. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
If you intend to get the best of experiences when it comes to gaming, one of the best things to do is visit the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.
The Casino has over 2,000 of the most current video and slot poker machines available for use at the state-of-the-art fun-filled casino space.
Be sure you will have a fun casino gaming experience when you visit, thanks to the friendly and excellent staff service offered at the Casino. You can also check out their Springs Bar to have some tasty drinks, see an event or concert, or lodge at the hotel in the casino.
This answers what to do in Indio, CA, for a fun time, do add to your bucket list of things to do in Indio, CA.
Address: 84-245 Indio Springs Pkwy, Indio, CA 92203
24. Max T. McCandless Memorial Library
This Library was first opened in 1914 as a book station in the home of different community members.
In 1928, The indigo Woman’s Club leased a building for a county library branch in Indio. Over the past years, the Library was renovated and expanded and grew popular in the community.
In 1976, the present 33,000 sq feet building was renamed Max T. McCandless Memorial Library in the Indio Civic Center.
In 2017, the interior of the Library was renovated, which helped in creating more space for reading and studying.
The Library has over 41,000 items and houses the Office of the Family Literacy Coordinator, a Friend of the Library bookstore, and the East Mobile Resource Van office.
Visiting this Library will allow you to browse local newspapers dating back to the 1890s.
Address: 200 Civic Ctr Dr, Indio, CA 92201, United States
25. Eagles Falls Golf Course
Eagles Fall Golf Course is a golfer’s masterpiece featuring elevations and water features that are rare to find on golf courses available for public play. Architect Clive Clark designed the Eagles Falls Golf Course.
This golf course’s challenging 6,715-yard par and 18-hole will challenge the low handicapper but offer a moderate player a fair test of golf.
Eagles Falls Golf Course is stunning, well-maintained, and well-manicured. The fees are affordable, and the staff is exceptionally accommodating.
The Eagles Falls Golf Course has a fully-staffed pro shop and snack bar. Other amenities include a driving range, power carts, putting greens, clubhouse, fore caddies, lounge & dining, and golf club rentals.
Address: 84-245 Indio Springs Dr, Indio, CA 92203, United States
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Plan Your Trip to Indio
The city of Indio is a perfect place to be for anyone planning to have a great vacation experience with friends and family. The city has numerous activities that visitors could engage in, and from our list of things to do in Indio, CA, be sure of fun exploration.
Start planning your trip today, pin this guide as you plan your exploration of Indio.
Happy Travels!.